Files
Abstract
Ceramics and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) with reinforced fibers have been designed to possess significantly greater fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance. This allows for their potential use in more products such as turbine and combustion engines, hypersonic vehicles, and satellites. Additionally, manufacturing of CMCs allows for the printing of complex geometry for component design pieces. However, currently challenges exist to widespread use. The fiber alignment can be difficult to maintain in printed parts and the sintering temperature of ceramics is very high causing oxidation of necessary additives to a successful outcome. In response, baseline formulas have been proposed for improved CMC ink formulation used in Direct Ink Writing (DIW). This study conducted testing on that initial and modified ink formulations with rheological and pyrolysis testing to analyze the specific effects of the components with outcomes assessed through an SEM microscope. Additional temperature and ramp adjustments were made and analyzed to determine a potential optimal formula and pyrolysis testing condition. Fumed Silica has a positive impact on results by strengthening the structure at high temperatures. Ideal SiC powder added is of 45-55 wt. Carbon fiber is an important additive but its exact amount for success was not able to be determined and results at different pyrolysis temperatures were seen on different formulations.